Michael A. Bright, 61, of Evansdale, died at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home, Saturday, January 21, 2012, of cancer.

Michael Allen Bright was born July 15, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Wilber and Angeline Lafler Bright. He had graduated from Mukwonago Union High School, Mukwonago, WI. Mike married Carolyn Sarazen and they later divorced, he married Denise “DeeDee” Wilson-Simmons in 1993 in Fredericksburg, Iowa.

Michael considered himself lucky to have such a beautiful family and was especially proud of his grandchildren. They were his legacy. He affectionately referred to his pets Brandi and Reba as the girls and they in turn loved their Dad. He really enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family and friends. Going to the camper with DeeDee was something he looked forward too. While at the camper he was close to the Mississippi and several trout streams and this allowed him to enjoy one of his passions – fishing. He would fish anywhere he could and it didn’t matter what time of the year – he was prepared and equipped. He would tie his own flies and enjoyed sharing them with others. He also enjoyed hunting with his bow, rifle, shotgun and muzzle loader. As long as he was hunting or fishing he was a happy camper. His love of the outdoors also included his involvement in wildlife conservation. Over the years he was involved with many organizations and felt it was our responsibility to preserve it. Michael worked over 35 years in the Dairy Industry and had served on the Wisconsin Dairy Council. He recently retired from ConAgra Dairy in Fredericksburg and was looking forward to working on his motorcycle and his ’53 Ford and traveling out west.

He is survived by his wife DeeDee; daughter Carrie (Jim) Scaff of Oconomowoc, WI; son Justin (Stacie) Conrad of Waterloo; son Jacob Simmons of Waterloo; son Jonathen (Sarai Donoso) Simmons of Waterloo; 8 grandchildren: Michael Butka, Jacob and Jamie Scaff, Tyler Makedonski, Brenden and Lainey Conrad, Mackenzie and Ryan Simmons; 11 brothers and sisters: brother Bob (Karen) Bright of Oconomowoc, WI; brother Burrill (Marie) Bright of Alma, AR; brother Dale (Arlene) Bright of Brookville, IN; brother Gary (Bev) Bright of South Range, WI; brother Greg (Lisa) Bright of Princeton, WI; brother Ron (Marilyn) Bright of Columbus, OH; brother Wayne Bright, Cudahy, WI; sister Donna Bright of Monroe, WI; sister Pat (Jim) Cronin of New Berlin, WI; sister Sylvia Green of Sheboygan Falls, WI; sister Peggy (Eugene) Heintz, Ocala, FL; 3 sisters in law: Pat Bright of Franklin, WI; Barb (Mike) Cahoe of Evansdale, IA; Boni (Marc) Puetz of Gilbertville, IA; and a brother in law Denny (Jackie) Wilson of Evansdale, IA.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty, and brother Wilbur Jr.